POLICE have issued a significant update on last week's triple fatal crash on the M606 motorway in Bradford, as they launched an appeal for witnesses.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw a Ford Transit van driving on Bradford Road in the vicinity of Moorlands Road, Birkenshaw, shortly before it was involved in a collision with a taxi at 10.45pm on Monday, June 13.

Police are especially keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage of the driving prior to the crash, or the collision itself, pledging to treat it in strict confidence.

The taxi driver and passenger died at the scene.

Police can now officially name them as Sohail Ali, 28, of Bradford, and Simon McHugh, 49, of Huddersfield.

As previously reported in the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Ali was a popular cabbie, described as hardworking, gentle and kind, while Mr McHugh was head chef at Bradford’s Jurys Inn hotel, being described as happy, nice and down-to-earth.

Kyden Leadbeater, 18, from Bradford, who was a passenger in the Ford Transit Van, died in hospital.

The other passenger in the van, a 17-year-old male, has been discharged from hospital. Police have now revealed that he was arrested and interviewed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The 15-year-old male driver of the Ford Transit van remains in hospital under arrest on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Police at the top of the M606 on the day of the crash.Police at the top of the M606 on the day of the crash.

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “This is a very tragic incident where three people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

“Our investigation into the road traffic collision is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw the Ford Transit Van prior to the collision to come forward.

“We are keen to get any dash cam footage or any social media footage of the driving prior to the collision or the collision itself.

“Footage given to the investigation will be treated in strict confidence.

“The 15-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving remains in hospital and we will look to interview him when he is fit and able.”

Anyone who has information that can help police with their investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting crime reference 13220319922.

West Yorkshire Police has referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.